I’m always amazed at the power of words. Take for example the statement: “I can imagine you sharing this piece with others someday”. It’s the kind of statement music teachers incorporate that confirms the importance of music in students’ lives. It’s the kind of statement that can shift our students’ perspective, inviting them to envision possibilities they might not have dared to imagine on their own. It’s the kind of statement I like to make as a reminder to myself that I also have lots of pieces I like to share with others and have continuously done so throughout my entire life.
For music teachers, I know it’s easy to get caught in the function of weekly lessons - checking student progress, setting goals, reviewing accomplishments, trying to keep the momentum going. It’s easy to get so busy that we might even run out of time for statements like “I can imagine you sharing this piece with others someday”. When we include those kinds of statements, we plant seeds of musical involvement that can last a lifetime. We confirm and validate students’ musical journeys that are already underway.
Like with my student Lisa who’s a huge fan of the South Korean girl band Black Pink. Recently I’ve enjoyed watching Lisa explore a selection by this group written in B flat minor (five flats!) as she’s only been taking piano lessons for a few months. Is she making progress? Absolutely. Lisa’s inner drive to master this work is all she needs. Five flats aren’t obstacles. They’re just part of the journey. Sharing this piece with her family and students at group class is a process that sets up Lisa to continue recognizing and sharing her musical journey with others for the long term.
What I appreciate in this blog is how words have the power to inspire and validate each student’s capacity to make music a meaningful, lasting part of their life. Words can invite students to envision possibilities they might not have even considered on their own. Words also have the power to transform how I approach teaching. The words I use can encourage my own patience, deep listening, and flexibility.
Looking to the next batch of lessons, there’s something meaningful about choosing my words with care and intention. I want to make space in every lesson for statements that affirm, inspire, and open doors—not just for my students, but for myself as well. Every time I say something that helps a student see themselves as a music maker, I’m also reminding myself why I teach. Because making music matters - in this week’s lessons, in students’ homes, for today, and for the future.
So before your next lesson, why not take a moment to think of phrases you can offer your student—something that lifts their sights beyond the present moment. Whether it’s “I can imagine you sharing this with others someday” or something uniquely your own, those few words might just echo in your student’s heart for years to come.
